Phyllis Ann Parker, 94, a lifelong resident of Summers County, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Summers Healthcare Center following a short illness.

Born on April 3, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Asa "Jack" Gulley and Orpha Bennett Gulley.

Phyllis was a proud 1950 graduate of Hinton High School. Committed to education and her community, she assisted with the LPN program at the Lincoln School. Alongside her dear friend, Cleo Mathews, she helped teach generations at the vocational center not only to be responsible citizens, but to be kind, compassionate people. She later served for many years as the Secretary for the Summers County Board of Education.

A dedicated member of her community, Phyllis was a faithful attendee and longtime treasurer of the Hinton First United Methodist Church. She was active in local civic life as a member of the Three Rivers Democrat Women. Both her faith and her convictions called her to love her neighbor, serve her community, stand up for what was right, and leave the world better than she found it. She was a happy warrior for positive change, never afraid to speak up or do the hard work it required.

Phyllis was deeply generous and committed to her community. She served meals with her best friend Betty at the monthly community lunch, helped lead the Methodist Church’s Yummy Bags ministry, and supported every REACHH event. If there was a need, Phyllis found a way to help. She believed communities were built by neighbors who cared for one another, and she lived that belief every day. She was an essential part of Hinton, and her absence will be deeply felt.

She spent her happiest days outdoors with her beloved husband, WC-fishing, camping, canoeing, and exploring the wild places of West Virginia. More than an admirer, she was a fierce advocate. Alongside Procter and Nanny Kay Kirk, Phyllis and WC stood with President Jimmy Carter in 1978 as he signed the legislation creating the New River Gorge National River. Their efforts helped protect one of West Virginia’s greatest treasures, now the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Her love of nature never faded. With her sisters, Joy and Jean, she spent 35 years attending the Wildflower Pilgrimage in Canaan Valley. Even at 92, she was trekking through the Blackwater Swamp in search of the rare Showy Lady’s Slipper. Not even a face-first fall in the mud could stop her-she got up, laughed, and kept going until she found it.

Phyllis was always game, even at 94. Whether helping the Appalachian Beekeeping Collective pack honey, serving as Chief Taste Tester, or climbing into a side-by-side for a ride, she embraced life with enthusiasm. She never let age define her, meeting each day with curiosity and a sense of adventure. And if you worked beside her, you knew she wasn’t just helping-she was supervising. No corners were cut when Phyllis Parker was around, and we were all better for it.

That was Phyllis: determined, adventurous, tough, generous, and kind. She adored her friends, ignored her enemies, and loved her neighbors. She inspired us by living with purpose, compassion and joy.

We will miss her laughter, her stories, her watchful eye, and the love she gave so freely. Though she is no longer walking the trails beside us, her spirit lives on in the rivers she helped protect, the wildflowers she loved, the community she built, and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her life reminds us that a person’s measure is found not in what they gather, but in the lives they touch, the places they protect, and the love they leave behind.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willard C. "W.C." Parker, Jr.; her son, Willard C. "Pete" Parker, III; her sisters, Joy Stone and Jean Morris; and her nephews, Jack Stone and Jerry Morris.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Rachel Pack and husband, Michael, of Cary, North Carolina; devoted family friends, Betty and Terri Giles; and her cherished grandchildren, Tristan, Ella, and Landyn Pack. Survivors also include many nieces and nephews who were very dear to her.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Pivont Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Nathan Smith and Rev. Dr. John Sauvage officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 pm until the time of the service at 5:00 pm on Monday. There will be dinner following services at the Hinton First United Methodist Church.

Interment will take place at the Greenbrier Burial Park in Hinton.

The family extends a special thank you to Hospice of Southern WV and the staff at Summers Healthcare Center for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Appalachian Beekeeping Collective INC, 206 Ferrells Eddy Fort, Hinton, WV 25951 and Horse & Buddy Therapeutic Riding, 4728 Old US 1 Hwy, New Hill, NC 27562.